

Marriage
The Sacrament of Matrimony
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament. “Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601”
Marriage is willed by God and was raised to a sacrament by Christ. It is therefore good but may not be put before the state of virginity. The sacrament of matrimony consists of the marriage contract so that for Christians the contract and the sacrament are inseparable. Therefore marriage comes into the legal competence of the Church. The Church may establish impediments, including diriment impediments which invalidate a marriage and forbidding impediments which make marriage illegal. She may determine the form and rite to be observed. Matrimonial Causes fall to ecclesiastical courts. The purpose of marriage is the increase of the people of God and mutual help for the partners in loyalty and love. The sacrament gives married people a claim on the graces necessary to their state.
Only monogamy is valid. A new marriage is allowed after the death of one party. Marriage is indissoluble, even in cases of adultery. An unconsummated marriage can in certain circumstances be dissolved by the Church. Once it is consummated, a separation only is possible; the marriage bond cannot be dissolved.
Marriage Preparation Course
1. Syro Malabar Apostolic Exarchate organizes marriage preparation courses periodically, please contact Fr. Sajo for more information or Fr. Jacob Edakalathoor Ph. 5198519000
Pre - Marriage Course (PMC, Contact. Sr. Prasanna Thattil CHF, Phone. 4166027646
2. Catholic Family Services of every diocese conducts Marriage Preparation Courses.
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